HC Mike Macdonald: 'Overwhelmingly positive' reviews helped with Terrion Arnold decision - ESPN

RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said one factor in the team's decision to offer Terrion Arnold a contract despite the felony charges he's facing was the «overwhelmingly positive» reviews they heard while vetting the free agent cornerback.

«We feel really strongly about our locker room and our team, and we had a great visit with Terrion,» Macdonald said. «Obviously we knew him throughout the [predraft process in 2024]. I referenced the folks that have been in his corner throughout the whole process as well, and we respect those people. We're not going to ignore those folks that we really respect and have a strong opinion about it as well.

»When you put all those things together, it felt like it was a good opportunity for the team."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that Arnold planned to sign with the Seahawks after also visiting with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. He has agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary deal. Macdonald said the two sides are working through when Arnold will fly to Seattle to sign it, «but we have an agreement with him and we'll see.»

Macdonald acknowledged the uncertainty over when Arnold will be available to play. He could be placed on the NFL commissioner exempt list — which would allow him to attend team meetings but not practice or play — while the league investigates the matter.

Macdonald said the Seahawks did their «due diligence» on Arnold's legal situation but declined multiple times to discuss specifics of his case or the alleged incident.

Arnold, 23, is facing eight felony charges stemming from a kidnapping and robbery in Tampa, Florida, in February. He was arrested in Hillsborough County in June after turning himself in and was